August 31,
2010 by in UnCategorized 
By Aggregated Content in Financial Reports on September 1, 2010
from http://c.moreover.com/click/here.pl?z3108595882&z=1000247453
J.C. Penney Co. is canceling some merchandise orders for the rest of the year to match its lowered sales forecast. There appeared to be "no notable pickup in traffic" at Penney stores in August, despite new product launches, according to a Morgan Stanley research report issued Tuesday.
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August 31,
2010 by in UnCategorized
By Home Furnishings Business in Acquisition on September 1, 2010
A Maine businesswoman has purchased Moosehead Furniture for $1.1 million, Maine Public Broadcasting reported Tuesday.
Louise Jonaitis, the new owner, said in the report that furniture production should resume within six months at Moosehead's plant in Monson, Me.
In January, Moosehead filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection just before the start of an auction to liquidate the manufacturer's assets.
August 31,
2010 by in UnCategorized
By Home Furnishings Business in Casual Furniture on September 1, 2010
Outdoor furniture maker Brown Jordan International has joined the Sustainable Furnishings Council.
Brown Jordan, El Monte, Calif., will utilize SFC's GREENleader certified sustainability training to spread its dedication to greener approaches to doing business throughout the company's organization.
The six-unit GREENleaders program covers a wide-range of topics pertinent to the home furnishings industry and sustainability, such as environmental issues, sourcing green products, and designing and operating green interiors.
"We have been developing a culture that supports sustainability in all aspects of our business for many years now and this membership and accreditation for employees is a logical step as we continue to do our part towards developing a cleaner future around us," said Chris Carmicle, a president at Brown Jordan.
SFC President Jeff Hiller commented: "We are pleased to welcome BJI's membership in the SFC. We applaud their eco-initiatives for environmentally safe and sound outdoor furnishings. Not only have they made investments to develop the right types of products, BJI also invested in education for key staff who gained accreditation in the SFC's GreenLeaders Certified Sustainability Training program. They are an outstanding example that even the largest companies can take major steps toward improving the sustainability of their operations at all levels."
Brown Jordan International, Inc. designs, manufactures and markets retail and contract furnishings under the brand names Brown Jordan, Winston, La-Z-Boy Outdoor, BJI, Casual Living, and Wabash Valley among others.
Since its inception in 2006, the SFC has grown to more than 400 corporate members including retailers, manufacturers, designers and suppliers. The SFC also reaches out to consumers to develop interest in purchasing sustainable home furnishings through a national print advertising campaign featuring celebrity designers.
August 31,
2010 by in UnCategorized
By Home Furnishings Business in Furniture Retailing on September 1, 2010
An Ashley Furniture Homestore in Melbourne, Fla., should save $50,000 a year with new light bulbs, Florida Today reported Friday.
Last week, the store completed installation of 850 energy-efficient, light-emitting diode bulbs and 63 new florescent fixtures.
"It definitely is an investment," said Chad Stevens, the Ashley Furniture Homestore's general manager, in the report. "Hopefully one that will pay out. We expect it will pay for itself within a year to 18 months and after that it's really free savings."
Ashley was one of several local companies in the report that are using energy-efficient lighting to cut operating costs.
August 31,
2010 by in UnCategorized
By Home Furnishings Business in Furniture Retailing on September 1, 2010
Havertys Furniture took honors in a recent story by
Forbes that noted the top 10 most trustworthy retailers. The article drew a correlation between consumers' perceptions and how well run a company is. The publisher had an independent analytics company study the data from companies and determine a risk rating. The higher the number, the better. Havertys gained a 98 on the 100-point scale.
Other retailer's on the list, include
Books-A-Million,
Hot Topic,
Fred's, and
Big 5 Sporting Goods.